At Old Town MedSpa, we provide multiple treatment options for weight loss, including semaglutide. Semaglutide is the first once-weekly medication in its class that may aid in long-term weight management, particularly when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
The Gharbi Doctors (Dr. Shazel Gharbi and Dr. Nael Gharbi), who are board-certified in aesthetic and internal medicine, utilize semaglutide as part of a comprehensive weight management regimen. They prescribe it alone or in combination with other medications to help patients achieve their goals.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is an injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist that's administered once a week. Semaglutide should be used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications, including a balanced diet and regular exercise.
How Does Semaglutide Work?
GLP-1 is an incretin hormone that plays a role in your appetite and digestion.
Incretins — hormones released by your digestive tract — are sent out by your body after you've eaten a meal. They help lower your blood sugar by triggering the release of insulin and blocking sugar production. They also slow down how quickly food leaves your stomach (called gastric emptying). These actions cause you to feel full and lower your appetite.Â
Medications like GLP-1 agonists are referred to as incretin mimetics since they "mimic" these effects.
How Is Semaglutide Dosed?
Semaglutide is administered as a weekly injection. It can be given at any time of day, and you can take it with or without food.
Semaglutide is typically injected just under the skin (subcutaneously) in your abdomen, upper arm, or thigh.
Since semaglutide slows down the rate at which food leaves your stomach, you may experience side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
Once you start taking the medication, our doctors will adjust your dose as needed. They will determine the appropriate dosage by considering your progress and any side effects you experience.
What Do We Know About Semaglutide Side Effects?
Gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, are most commonly associated with this medication. You may experience these effects more strongly with higher doses.
Additional side effects can include:
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Bloating
- Burping
What Kind of Semaglutide Do We Use?
We use compounded semaglutide prepared by FDA-registered compounding pharmacies. While these pharmacies meet regulatory standards, the compounded version of semaglutide itself is not FDA-approved. This means it has not been individually reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality.
It's essential to note that FDA-approved semaglutide products are available, and patients are encouraged to discuss all options with their healthcare provider to determine the best fit for their individual needs.
Am I a Good Candidate for Semaglutide?
A good candidate for semaglutide is an adult who meets the following criteria:
- They have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
- They are motivated to make long-term lifestyle changes, including improving their diet and physical activity.
- They do not have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
A consultation with a medical provider can help determine if semaglutide is appropriate based on health history and goals.
Why Choose Old Town Med Spa?
Patients seeking semaglutide for weight management in Chicago or Lincoln Park can feel confident choosing Old Town Med Spa. As board-certified physicians in both aesthetic and internal medicine, Drs. Nael and Shazel Gharbi bring over a decade of experience in medical care and nearly as many years in aesthetic medicine.
Known as two of Chicago's top cosmetic surgeons, they combine clinical skill with a genuine passion for helping patients reach their goals. Their hands-on approach, advanced training in body contouring, and commitment to medical excellence set Old Town Med Spa apart as a trusted destination for results-driven weight management.
FAQs
Yes, semaglutide can support people with insulin resistance or prediabetes.
As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it enhances the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion, reducing glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying. These actions can help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance over time.
Many patients begin to notice a difference in appetite and portion control within the first few weeks of starting semaglutide. Weight loss typically becomes more noticeable within the first 4 to 8 weeks, especially when the medication is combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
Results can vary depending on individual factors, such as baseline weight, dose adjustments, and lifestyle changes. Because the dose is often increased gradually to minimize side effects, early weight loss may be modest. It tends to become more significant over time as the full therapeutic dose is reached.
Old Town Med Spa does not take insurance for any rapid weight loss programs, including semaglutide.
The cost of semaglutide varies depending on the length of the program. At Old Town Med Spa, we offer individual injections, as well as packages of 4, 8, 10, and 12. The larger the package, the better the price of each injection will be.
Results may vary between patients, depending on multiple variables, including genetics, environmental factors, the length of the program, dosage, diet, and exercise.
Some patients report nausea on the day of their injection or the following day. Unless they eat a carb-heavy meal, most patients feel comfortable on the program.
For all our patients, we recommend a low-carb, high-protein diet. Those on semaglutide may experience nausea if they consume meals high in processed carbohydrates and sugar. Instead, we recommend protein-dense and high-fiber foods, such as chicken, eggs, Greek yogurt, fish, nuts, vegetables, and berries.
If you miss a dose of semaglutide, take it as soon as you remember, as long as it's within 5 days of the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and wait until your next scheduled injection. Do not double up on doses to catch up.
Missing a single dose typically won't impact long-term progress, but consistency is important for the best results.
Once you hit your goal weight, it's important to maintain a healthy diet that emphasizes high-protein foods. Old Town Med Spa also offers maintenance programs, which include a monthly injection to help patients manage their appetite and sustain their ideal weight.
Learn More About Semaglutide Today
If you're ready to take control of your weight and improve your overall health, semaglutide may be the right option for you. At Old Town Med Spa, our experienced medical team is here to guide you through a personalized weight management plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.
Schedule your consultation today and learn how our team can help you move forward with confidence. We have offices in Lincoln Park, River North, and Bucktown.
